1980 Frame replacement

[aga4k]

A quick update of where I am now. I have purchased another frame, it's been straightened and strengthened new mounts have been welded on, sandblasted and painted, ready to be switched.

A question about the number 2 body mounts below the door hinges. There is considerable rust on the body where the rubber body mounts would be installed, infact there is no longer any lower portion remaining. You can see from the rubber mounts through to the frame mounts. The exterior and interior looks solid all the way (4" or so) below the bottom door hinges, as well the floor pans are in good shape. Any suggestions or pictures on how to go about the body repair would be much appreciated.

[DavisZR1]

agaK, That's a common problem with the c3's, especially on that side. If you could take some pics, maybe we can help you out. But you have to start cutting around the outer shell to see how far the rust extends and then fabricate a new piece. I haven't seen you car apart so it's hard to evaluate. I would get a quarter inch drill and drill beyond the area that's rusted until you hit solid metal, and then cut away the outer shell of plastic fabricate a new piece. You better hope that the windshield posts aren't rotted either. Good luck. You have your work cut out for you.

[aga4k]

Thanks DavisZR1. I'll borrow our office digital camera and take some pictures later next week and post. Maybe after you see the rust damage you can give me an idea if this project is getting bigger and bigger. From some of the restoration sites and pictures I've seen out there, I'd say mine was in pretty good shape. Removing the body and looking from all directions will be test. The windsheild was recently replaced (3 years ago?) when the car was repainted, hopefuly the windshield posts as you suggest are not damaged. I did have the dash out some months ago myself and things looked fine (shiny paint anyway) from that direction.

[aga4k]

My 1980 restoration project saga continues. It's been so cold around here I have had little ambition to really start my resto project. PS had to build second garage for project first. I've finally taken some pictures of the rusted number 2 mount.

Are there a choices?, fab new parts and weld in or can an inexpensive pillar post be purchased? Your wisdom is appreciated.

[fatherlarry]

From the looks of the picture you're showing me, fabricating a piece for this wouldn't be hard to do. There are some companys out there that do manufacture the body mount support bracket, or you may be able to get a used one from a wreck at a salvage yard. Barry at Michigan Corvette Recyclers would probably be able to help you out on this, if you don't want to fabricate yourself. Good luck and keep us posted.